Nashville

Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, pulses with the rhythm of country music. You can walk through the exhibits at the Country Music Hall of Fame, tap your feet to live performances at the Grand Ole Opry, or join the crowd on Broadway's Honky Tonk Highway. The city's culinary landscape ranges from spicy hot chicken joints to innovative fine dining establishments. Nashville also houses cultural gems like a full-scale replica of the Parthenon and numerous museums dedicated to art, history, and music.

Nashville's Music Scene

Music is the heartbeat of Nashville. At the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, you'll find exhibits featuring costumes, instruments, and memorabilia that tell the story of this American genre. For live performances, head to the Grand Ole Opry, which has been hosting country music stars since 1925. If you prefer a more intimate setting, visit The Bluebird Cafe, where you can listen to emerging songwriters in a cozy atmosphere.

Nashville's Culinary Landscape

Nashville's food scene is full of flavor. Taste the city's signature hot chicken at Hattie B's or Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, where the fiery dish originated. For traditional Southern fare, stop by Arnold's Country Kitchen, a meat-and-three restaurant serving comfort food classics. If you're looking for an upscale dining experience, reserve a seat at The Catbird Seat, where chefs prepare a multi-course tasting menu right in front of you.

Arts and Culture in Nashville

Nashville's cultural offerings extend beyond music. The Frist Art Museum, housed in an Art Deco building, hosts rotating exhibitions of visual art from around the world. You can watch Broadway tours, ballet, and opera performances at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. The National Museum of African American Music, which opened in 2021, takes you on a journey through the impact of African American musicians across various genres.

Green Spaces in Nashville

Centennial Park spans 132 acres and includes walking trails, a lake, and the city's Parthenon replica. For hiking and biking, head to Percy Warner Park, part of the larger Warner Parks system. In spring, you can admire colorful blooms across the 55-acre botanical garden at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, which also houses an art museum.

Historical Sites in Nashville

Just outside the city, you'll find The Hermitage, the former home of President Andrew Jackson. This well-preserved plantation provides insight into 19th-century life and Jackson's presidency. In downtown Nashville, you can tour the Tennessee State Capitol, a Greek Revival building that has served as the seat of state government since 1859. At Belle Meade Plantation, you can combine a historical tour with wine tasting from its on-site winery.